Posts Tagged ‘The Proclaimers’

The Proclaimers: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”

Posted: August 23, 2025 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
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Tune du Jour: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Down By Law vs. MxPx vs. Toy Dolls
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF

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Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!

The Original

Remember hearing The Proclaimer’s The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues on the radio in 1987 and was immediately floored by its originality, spunk and engaging sound. I quickly purchased their album, This Is The Story, and saw potential. I eagerly awaited their next release, which came the following year. Sunshine On Leith did not disappoint. It was very impressive throughout. I was particularly blown away by the contagious tune, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles). It had such an accessible sound complemented by those appealing Scottish accents that I was trying to sing along upon the first time I heard it. I saw The Proclaimers that year at The Cotton Club, a legendary, sadly soon-to-be defunct iconic venue in Atlanta. The show was simply outstanding! Couldn’t have been more entertaining. The guys had so much talent and charisma. As the years went on I was surprised and disappointed that this talented duo did not make a dent in the music scene. Years later, out of nowhere, I began hearing 500 Miles repeatedly on the airwaves. Happy, yet puzzled as to why the song caught fire years after its release, I assumed it must have been resurrected for a movie or something of that ilk. Sure enough, it was included on the soundtrack of the 1993 hit film, Benny & Joon, starring hot commodity, Johnny Depp. The popularity of The Proclaimers (and particularly the song 500 Miles) immediately went through the roof. Depp, our savior, made the difference! For a short time The Proclaimers enjoyed the acclaim (and hopefully financial rewards) they so richly deserved. And so it goes in the music world. Never know who, when or if a band is going to find fame and fortune …

The Proclaimers:

THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

Down By Law vs. MxPx vs. Toy Dolls
Down By Law:
MxPx:
Toy Dolls:

SPACE

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!

   

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

 

Wreckless Eric: “Whole Wide World”

Posted: July 2, 2025 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Tags: , , , , ,
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Tune du Jour: “Whole Wide World” – Wreckless Eric
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: The Monkees vs. The Proclaimers vs. The Wedding Present vs. Cage the Elephant
VOTE, COMMENT, then PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK

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Broc 3 - Cover Me Impressed
Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!

The Original

Criminally underappreciated song by a criminally underappreciated artist. Love Wreckless Eric. Unfathomable why he didn’t become another of a long line of Stiff Records’ stars.

Eric actually did have a string of hit singles and lucrative record sales in Europe for a spell. Unfortunately, his sleezy manager stole all of the profits. Left Eric penniless. At one point he had to pawn his guitar for food money! Gradually he got back on his feet. I had a chance to chat with Eric years back. Really nice guy! I mentioned his manager and how awful it was that he stole all of the money. Eric had this to say on the subject (I’m paraphrasing): ‘You know, my good friend Ian Dury made a lot of money and he spent it all on drugs, which finally killed him. If I had gotten my money I probably would have done the same and thus, would also be dead by now. So, all in all, I’m good with how it worked out.’ Interesting take. Hopefully he’s still content and doing well.

And I truly hope he still has this sportin’ insect jacket!

Wreckless Eric:

THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

I know. I know. I am breaking protocol. But unprecedented action seemed required. I narrowed my research down to four interesting covers and I just could not seem to cut one of them. They all seemed to deserve consideration. It was further necessary in that there were not enough other quality covers to do an additional post of the song down the line. And so it goes …

The Monkees vs. The Proclaimers vs. The Wedding Present vs. Cage the Elephant
The Monkees:
The Proclaimers:

The Wedding Present:
Cage the Elephant:

SPACE

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!

   

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

 

The Proclaimers: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”

Posted: April 18, 2016 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Tags: , , , , , ,
8
Tune du Jour: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Down by Law vs. MxPx vs. The Toy Dolls
VOTE, COMMENT, then WAX POETIC
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California is a garden of Eden, A paradise to live in or see. But believe it or not, You won't find it so hot, If you ain't got the broccoli

If I Get Drunk,
Yes I Know I’m Gonna Be,
I’m Gonna be the Plant that Get’s Drunk Next to You

 

 

 

 

The Original

 

The Proclaimers:

 

THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

 

Down by Law vs. MxPx vs. The Toy Dolls
Down by Law:

There is apparently some heated debate within the punker community as to whether this is, in fact, Down by Law, or Arnie’s favorite band, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes. Anyone got any insights? And I do mean any insights, whether pertinent to this song or whatever. I’m just short on insights, okay?!? In other words, if you’ve got some insights, and again song-related or otherwise would be just fine, then please send them my way. 

Now STAY here and make sure no one leaves …

I just got verification from Down By Law that this, in fact, is their song.

MxPx:

Toy Dolls:

SPACE

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On?!!? 

 

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.